How does Arthur deal with Paganism vs. Christianity in this particular story?
Arthur’s great skill in this piece is how he marries the worlds. Arthur’s father was very much from the Pagan world, and the Christian influences in the story come through Arthur’s wife, Gwenhwyfar. She tries to get him to renounce Paganism, but he is committed to not letting either belief dominate. As long as he doesn’t commit himself either way, he believes the kingdom will survive. Q: Talk about the relationship between Gwenhwyfar and Arthur. A: Gwenhwyfar is very much the beginning of the end for Camelot. She is unable to have a child, and this failure is a huge strain on the relationship between her and Arthur. It’s the first step toward Arthur’s sort of collapse. She blames his Pagan roots and sees this as God’s punishment. Gwenhwyfar is a powerful force against Arthur, yet she loves him and he loves her. They have a very complicated relationship. Q: What about the discovery that Mordred is actually his son? A: That realization really seals his fate. Arthur keeps hoping he will h
